October 13, 2015 11.24 am This story is over 106 months old

Lincolnshire dog owners warned of mystery illness this autumn

Mystery illness: A Lincolnshire charity is warning dog owners to look out for the signs of mystery Seasonal Cainine Illness (SCI) this autumn.

A Lincolnshire charity is warning dog owners to look out for the signs of mystery Seasonal Cainine Illness (SCI) this autumn.

Jerry Green Dog Rescue, based in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire is calling for dog owners to be extra vigilant during autumn months, especially following visits to woodlands.

Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) is a mysterious and potentially fatal illness which can affect dogs of any age, sex or breed.

The cause of SCI is unknown and as yet there are no known preventative measures.

Past cases have been reported in Nottinghamshire (Sherwood), Lincolnshire, Thetford, Suffolk (Rendlesham), Sandringham and possible cases in the New Forest.

Jerry Green staff are urging to look out for the most common clinical signs of SCI which include the sudden onset of sickness, diarrhoea and lethargy.

Other signs of the illness include loss of appetite, shaking or trembling, high temperature and abdominal pain typically experienced within 72 hours of walking in woodland.

Amanda Raworth-Hayes, Fundraiser at Jerry Green Dog Rescue, said: “It’s important to contact your vet immediately if you notice any of the early signs of SCI in your dog.

“If SCI strikes, the sooner a dog is referred to the vet the better its chances of survival.

“Fortunately, in recent years there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of fatal cases of SCI, which could be down to the increase in awareness of the illness.

“If you are a dog owner or you know someone who is please be aware and share this information; together we can prevent the loss of dogs from this horrible illness.”

Worried owners should speak to their vet about spray treatments for ectoparasites (fleas, ticks and mites) which can be applied just before walking in woodland as a preventative measure again harvest mites.

Take a look at The Animal Health Trust for further guidance.

Questionnaires are being filled in online to help with the research into the cause of the illness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDTgRQu-pBo